Places: Cotswold's, Bristol, London & Scotland - Easter Trips

Places to Go, Eggs to Find..

Cotswolds

Take advantage of the longer spring days and better weather, by camping, glamping or holiday cottages. Why not take an extra special Easter trip here are some of our suggestions below

Zen - Frill Top

Bristol

Collect activity sheets from The Bristol Cheesemonger and hunt for brightly-coloured eggs in the windows of Wapping Wharf's eclectic mix of independent businesses. Crack the code to spell out an Easter-themed sentence and a reward awaits for your hard work! 

Or why not visit Noah's Ark there's plenty going on that the whole family, will love and they certainly won’t be disappointed; plus parking at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is completely free of charge.

Clover - Chiffon Top

London

There's plenty of fun to be had in London from Good Friday to Easter Monday (Friday April 19 – Monday April 22 2019). Whether you're treating yourself to a Eggs Benedict or simply taking in the city in bloom, 
socializing, visiting botanical gardens or finding the best places to eat; we’ve tracked down the some of the very best things do over your Easter weekend in London. 

Gastropub Bobin, Clapham. Does a cracking roast dinner, or Coal Shed, London Bridge, but on Sunday the whole family can pile in for a ‘sharing roast’ in traditional style

Peckham is blessed these days when it comes to decent food, and we have a particularly soft spot for this lovely-looking eatery attached to the Assembly Point Gallery – a cool hangout that regularly has bands plays to packed houses. 

Scotland 

Have fun and learn about wildlife at the same time. At Blair Drummond Safari Park, there’s a Giant Egg Hunt over Easter weekend where dozens of eggs will be hidden around the park for you and the family to find.

Shetland Craft Trail. Pick up a leaflet from a VisitScotland Information Centre and visit the crafty workshops and studios of everyone from carpenters to painters.


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Things to do - December

Things to do this December

Looking for something to do this December? Madia & Matilda's got you covered.

From Christmas fairs and museums, to light switch-ons. There's so much to do this December across the UK.

Winter wonderland, Hyde Park

If you're anywhere near London this festive season why not visit Winter Wonderland. This free-to-enter family event features a host of festive fun, including Winter Wonderland ice skating, circus shows, a Ferris wheel and an amazing Christmas market. Perfect for family days, date night or an evening with friends, this is one way to spend your December days.


For more information click here.

  

Worcester's Victorian Christmas Fayre

Established in 1992, the Fayre may have grown a lot in the last 26 years, but it has stayed true to its traditional roots with plenty of Victorian themed characters and treats, and a fantastic festive atmosphere. If you're in Worcestershire this winter, why not treat the family to a fun day out at this traditional Victorian market


For more information click here.

Brighton & Hove Burning of the clocks winter solstice celebration

Burning the Clocks is a unique community event, held on the 21st of December, that brings the whole city together to mark the shortest day of the year - the winter solstice. Local people create beautiful paper and willow lanterns which are paraded through the city as part of the celebrations. With around 2,000 people taking part, the lantern procession creates a magical festive atmosphere across Brighton & Hove.

For more information click here.

Bournemouth Christmas Garden of Lights

If you are near Bournemouth this winter why not stop by the Garden of Lights. Twinkling lights and beautiful alpine stores are the perfect backdrop for festive winter shopping, and ice skating adds a little adventure to the mix. Interactive light pods weave throughout the historic gardens, with sound and even a time machine to captivate and amuse everyone. A perfect family day out or evening with friends to enjoy the Christmas lights this festive season.

For more information click here.

Christmas Eve with Charles Dickens, Holborn 

Each year, the Charles Dickens Museum presents a unique and enchanting glimpse into the festive season as celebrated by the great Victorian author, Charles Dickens. The historic interiors are transformed into a true embodiment of Christmas Past and is a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve - reliving one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time.


For more information click here.

Dartington Wonderland 

For those of you in the south of England, Dartington is a wonderful place to visit this winter. This Wonderland is the perfect place to stop, eat, drink, shop, play, make, dance, sing, listen and enjoy. Discover over 40 of the best makers in the south, in one of the most renowned arts and crafts towns. A fantastic festive evening for all the family featuring the Romany band, Nordic and Baltic choir, Santa Frau, Kids Create Workshops and the tiniest Gin Palace in the World.


For more information click here.










Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Things to do this Nov & Dec - Culture

Things to do in Winchester

The Rare Brand Market
Winchester Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester
The market hosts a wide range of rare brands across clothing, food, drink, jewellery, beauty, toys and gadgets, lifestyle and homeware. More than 85 brands will be presented at 19th century Winchester Guildhall, from Wednesday 14 November 10am - 8pm to Thursday 15 November 10am - 3pm.

For more information click here.

The Christmas Lights Switch On

The Broadway, Winchester

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season by attending the city’s spectacular Christmas lights being switched on by local Winchester heroes nominated by the public.

The event will take place on 15 November 2018 4pm - 7pm.

For more information click here.

Christmas Market and Ice Rink
Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester

Attend the opening ceremony for Winchester's Christmas market and ice rink. Enjoy routines from professional ice skaters and live music from the Cathedral Choristers. The ceremony will take place on 16 November 2018 from 6:45pm.

For more information click here.

Silent Disco On Ice
Cathedral Office, 9 The Close, Winchester

If you're looking for a fun activity to do this winter, look no further than Winchester's silent disco. Choose songs from the 70's, 80's, 90's or 00's and enjoy skating to your favourite throwback tunes.

20 November - 20 December, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00pm & 8.00pm.

For more information click here.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Things to do This Oct & Nov - Culture

Things to do in Gloucestershire

SVA, The Good Shed, Stroud
Live music performance from Emily Barker and special guest Jack Carty. Preforming songs from her latest album, Sweet Kind of Blue, a fusion of soul, blues, country and folk, Emily will be taking to the stage on Saturday 3rd November at 7:30pm. 
Click here to purchase tickets and find out more about the event.

Gloucester zombie walk 

Cafe Rene,  Southgate Street, Gloucester

Back by popular demand, the Gloucester zombie walk will return to the streets of Gloucester city centre. Free of charge, this years walk will be raising money for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. Join the scary stroll on Saturday 27th October, 3pm - 5pm.

For more information on this event, click here.

Stroud Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday 9 am-2 pm

Cornhill Market Place & Surrounding Streets, Stroud GL5 2HH                

Near Madia & Matilda HQ

Stroud Farmers’ Market is multi award-winning and is well known as one of the biggest, busiest and most popular farmers’ market in the UK. The market was awarded Best Farmers’ Market in the UK for 2013 for a second time by FARMA. At Stroud Farmers market there is streets lined with stalls, selling a range of fresh and local produce. From meats and charcuterie to fruit and vegetables, desserts, preserves and pickles to bread, cheese and plants.

You're sure to find a product you love at this market.

For more details, click here.

Cheltenham Literature Festival

109-111 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LS

Find a book you love at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the world's oldest literature festival with over 500 events - Covering history, art, current affairs, sport, food and fashion, there's something for everyone's taste. World renowned this 10-day celebration is not one to miss!  Including  top icons, pop stars, extraordinary comedians, amazing actors. To visit & find out more, click here

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

What's On This Bank Holiday Weekend?

Where Will Bank Holiday Weekend Take You?

That's right, lads 'n' lasses: it's bank holiday weekend from the 4th to the 7th. While some people will be hurling themselves into the car at 6pm on Friday to speed off for a mini-break away, others will be oiling up the barbie and putting their feet up in the garden. Whichever you choose, take a quick look at our lil' list of some really cool stuff that's 

happening around the country this weekend. 

The Cotswolds

Close to home for us, the Cotswolds really come alive in the sunshine (especially with a cool glass of beer in hand). The Prince Albert pub in Rodborough are holding their 11th annual beer and music festival this weekend, offering "32 of the finest handpicked beers from across the country", plus gorgeous food from the Jamaica Inn Kitchen pop-up, and a lovely selection of equally delectable local music acts. 

Photo courtesy of University of Hull

Hull
The UK's City of Culture has a huge amount to offer in terms of stuff to do (as you'd expect). This weekend you can indulge your curious side with exhibitions on everything from Light and Colour at Studio Eleven, a collection of pieces centered around glass and its sculptural qualities, to the Hull Skateboard Festival at several different locations across the city. Another place worth checking out is the fruit market on Humber st, with lots of eclectic vintage shops and restaurants. 

Photo courtesy of The Telegraph

London
Deciding what to do when you hit London can be difficult. Luckily we've done some digging for you, so no stress! Here are a few ideas to contemplate while sipping a glass of something cold in your back yard...

Fashioned From Nature: an exhibition hosted by the V&A
Described as being "about the future of fashion – and the planet" by TimeOut, this awe-inspiring collection pulls together examples of nature in fashion from the 17th century to the present day. The V&A is famous for it's world-class events, and if you have even a passing interest in fashion, this sounds like one you wouldn't want to miss. Find out more here.

New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival 
Catch a selection of quirky films from all genres in a number of venues across London. The event is running from Friday to Sunday, so grab a blanket and head over! More info here.

KERB Does Alchemy
The Southbank Centre becomes home to a whole world of vibrant and spicy cuisine from India to Afghanistan. The event will host 29 traders, all cooking with a huge range of flavours and styles. If you think you can handle the heat, head over there now! We were especially taken with the mention of "pistachio butter orange glaze donuts". Count us in! More here.


What will YOU do with your extended weekend of freedom? Enjoy your May bank holiday!





Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Easter 2018: The Food Edit (No Chocolate Here!)

For all you peeps who like to do something special to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus/chocolate bunnies, this is for you! Of course, there's the good ol' Egg Hunt (who's dressing up as Mr Bunny this year?), a family walk, or church. Whatever Easter looks like for you, you can't beat a bite to eat with the Fam. We've got some ideas to kick things off. 

Places to Eat
The Cotswolds are famous for the broad range of places where you can get some truly amazing, locally produced food. Here are three of our favourites:

Lavendar Bakehouse is a little teashop and cafe in Chalford, just by the canal. They source their ingredients as locally as possible and you can taste the love they put into the food! This is a lovely place for brunch or cake, or both! 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Canteen is Nailsworth's quirky, yummy offering to the Cotswolds' food scene, drawing celebrity attention stars such as Liam Gallagher. The food is incredibly good and the cafe backs onto Domestic Science, a mini emporium supplying chic vintage homewares, quality office supplies and much more. 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

Wild Garlic is also based in Nailsworth (Naily's got it all, folks!). Jay Raynor is a big fan— need we say more? We will anyway. Chef Patron Matthew Beardshall handpicks local, seasonal ingredients with which to create his dishes. And did we mention the "locally sourced traditional roast" on the Sunday lunch menu?! (Psst! Booking recommended).

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

If 'forking' out for a full meal isn't for you, you could ask everyone to make their favourite dish (assign some people to sweet, some to savoury, some to drinks etc.) and put on a bring and share. Something a bit different, and if you find dates like Easter stressful, 
it should take the edge off! 

Whatever you're doing on the Easter weekend, we hope you have the loveliest, yummiest time! (And good luck with the rest of Lent!)

Sincerely, Madia & Matilda